Consumption of corn starch by individuals within the Black community, and other groups, is often associated with pica, a compulsive eating disorder characterized by the persistent craving and consumption of non-nutritive substances. This craving extends beyond simple hunger and involves a strong urge to ingest items that offer no significant nutritional value. While corn starch is the focus here, pica can manifest with cravings for clay, dirt, ice, or other unusual materials.
The underlying causes of pica are multifaceted and not fully understood. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron-deficiency anemia, are frequently implicated as a contributing factor. The body’s attempt to compensate for missing minerals may trigger unusual cravings. Historically, in certain regions, cultural practices or beliefs may have played a role in the consumption of earth-based substances, and this could have indirectly contributed to present-day occurrences. Furthermore, psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder can exacerbate or trigger pica symptoms.
